SSL 3 - Proverbs 3:21-35 - COMPASSION SHOWN
LAST WEEK: In Prov. 3:1-12, Solomon talked about the harvest of blessings we receive when we apply godly wisdom to our lives, such as blessings in (1) relationships, (2) decision-making, (3) health, (4) prosperity, and (5) yes, even discipline is a blessing. At the same time, however, we recognize that these are proverbs, not unconditional promises. But we believe in general that people who strive to honor God and live wisely are generally healthier, have more peace in their lives, and are more fruitful-i.e., happy/content-than people who live selfishly and dishonestly. We discussed six points of application: (1) Obedience from the heart is much more that outward conformity. Obedience from the heart demonstrates love both for the commandments and the person giving them. (2) The virtues of kindness, mercy, truth, and faithfulness will gain us "favor" with God and man. These virtues are all qualities that appeal to people as well as God. (3) You are not trusting God with "all your heart" if you have any doubts that He will provide the wisdom you need. Trust must be transferred from reliance on our human abilities and intellect to the power and wisdom of God. (4) If we try to be "wise in our own eyes" and display an attitude of pride and self-reliance, we can be certain that God will humble us and bring us down. But afterward, when God spiritually restores us to fellowship, His wisdom is like a refreshment to both our souls and our bodies. (5) We must be happily willing and ready to honor what God asks of us with the resources, time, and energy with which He has richly blessed us. When we support God's work with our tithes, time, and service, he will give back to us even more in the form of great blessings. (6) When God disciplines us, it's a sign of His love. Because we are all imperfect humans who are works in progress, God uses His discipline to root out the hidden sins and selfish desires that remain in our lives so that we will continue the process of becoming more and more like Him.
THIS WEEK: In Prov. 3:21-35, Solomon will talk to us about the blessings of walking securely in God's wisdom. In vv. 21-25, he will tell us how wisdom gives life, can make us look better, keeps us safer, and makes us feel more secure and at peace; v. 26 explains how wisdom can steers us clear of the traps and snares of this world; and vv. 27-35 will give us wise instruction about our relationships both with people and God.
Read Prov. 3:21-22 - GIVING ATTENTION TO GOD'S WISDOM
21 My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck.
v. 21: "My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion" - When Solomon says don't let "them"-wisdom and discretion-vanish from your sight, he's analogizing them to possessions so valuable that you guard and keep them with you at all times. Notice he adds the concept of "discretion" to wisdom. The word discretion can be defined as making sound decisions when you're faced with different choices. Discretion emphasizes the ability to discern the subtle differences between options in order to make the best or correct choice. Using sound wisdom and discretion in decision-making is especially important for Christians in this day and age. We must refuse to allow the world to control our thoughts and values, but instead use godly wisdom and discretion to arrive at decisions that will be good and acceptable to God. This doesn't always come with easy and clear choices; however, if we are careful to seek God's will and guidance, His wisdom and discernment are available for the asking.
v. 22: "So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck" - When Solomon says that wisdom and discretion will be "life to your soul," he means they will bring you a good reputation and standing before God and man. For Christians, holding onto wisdom and discretion-making godly decisions about life-is all about putting on Jesus Christ and keeping Him on, because He is the true source of wisdom and insight that is life to our souls. Solomon, in an analogy, also says we should "wear" wisdom and discretion like an adornment. Adornments are observable to others-seen.
SOLOMON SAYS 1: Godly discretion gives us the ability to discern the subtle differences between options in order to make the best choices. As Christians in this day and age, we must refuse to allow the world to control our thoughts and values and instead, apply godly wisdom and discretion to arrive at decisions that will be good and acceptable to God.
Read Prov. 3:23-26 - THE SAFETY OF WALKING IN GOD'S WISDOM
23 Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.
v. 23: "Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble" - The conjunction "then" connects this verse to the sound wisdom and discretion of v. 21. Our "walk," in the biblical context is a metaphor for the way we live our day-to-lives at home, at work, and at play. To be "secure" implies being safe and protected. "Stumbling" in our walk is a figure of speech for falling into sin. Putting all of this together, we are guided and protected from stumbling into the snares and pitfalls of sinful temptations as long as we keep godly wisdom and discretion in our sight, wearing it around our neck like an adornment. This brings to mind Psalm 23 where David likens the LORD to a good shepherd who guides us "in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Ps. 23: 3). Again, remember this is a proverb, not a promise of a completely trouble-free, easy life.
v. 24: "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet" - In ancient times as well as today, fears and anxieties can creep into our minds and interfere with our ability to sleep, yes? We've all experienced this at some point. While it's not a guarantee, living wisely...making godly decisions in our day-to-day walk should help any of us to sleep better, do you agree? Are you allowing yourself to worry about things over which you have no control? As Christians, we must not forget that we have immediate access to God's peace day and night. "[T]he peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:7). Do you have confidence in God or self? If we live wisely, pursue a deep relationship with God, and really and truly trust Him, what do we have to worry about?
v. 25: "Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes" - Here, Solomon moves from internal fears that can disturb our sleep to external fears out in the world. The Bible makes it clear that leading a godly life does not magically protect believers from all hardship. But the question posed here is whether we should live in fear of evil people who might trouble our lives in some way, what Solomon terms as "the onslaught of the wicked"? The short answer is no: Nothing that takes God's people by surprise should cause them to fear. Why? Because we trust God and know He's still with us whenever unexpected trouble arrives. Jesus said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul" (Mt. 10:28a).
v. 26: "For the LORD will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught" - This verse repeats the question: Do you have confidence in God or self? With confidence in God, we are equipped to face any trials or tribulations we might encounter in this life because Jesus Christ has overcome the world. (Jn. 16:33). And to "keep your foot from being caught," Paul reminds us that, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13). When we wear wisdom, we can be confident that God is on our side.
SOLOMON SAYS 2: We should wear God's wisdom and discretion. When we wear God's wisdom and discretion like an adornment around our necks and keep it in place, it will protect us from "stumbling into the snares and pitfalls of sinful temptations.
When we wear wisdom, we can be confident that God is on our side.
Read Prov. 3:27-30 - SOME LESSONS FROM GOD'S WISDOM
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives securely beside you.
30 Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.
v. 27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it" - Now Solomon moves from trusting God to being helpful and honorable towards "those to whom it is due." That it is "good" and "in your power to do it" carries a sense of obligation-that we should do it actively without being prompted. This principle applies to all types of relationships, in the home, in the workplace, in the church, and in various social activities. For example, children should honor their parent by being obedient and helpful, parents should treat their children fairly and justly, employees should honor their employers by doing their jobs well, employers should treat their employees with courtesy and fairness, young adults should show respect to seniors, church members should encourage and compliment pastors, church leaders, and staff members, etc., etc.
v. 28: "Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you" - We should already know that in the broad biblical context, the term "neighbor" can encompass any number of people we might come into contact with in our daily lives. The phrase "Do not say," connects the idea of v. 27 that we should never withhold something that is within our power to do or give right now. When we see a neighbor in need of help, which might just be some small task or, a repair of some kind, or to drive them someplace, or to even offer material or financial help, Solomon is telling us that we should not hesitate to offer any help "in your power to do it" v.27). This is especially true in the case of elderly or needy members of our church who need help. The major point of this proverb is that we shouldn't wait to be asked but be alert to opportunities to help.
v. 29: "Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives securely beside you" - This verse carries the idea of vv. 27-28 beyond passive indifference toward a neighbor to causing or allowing deliberate harm. A prime example of this are violations of trust: a neighbor shares a confidence on a personal issue with a neighbor because he trusts him, but the other neighbor, who is really a gossip, turns around and blabs it to everybody in the whole neighborhood. Or what about people who borrow things and fail to give them back? Or a neighbor who has a dead tree that's about to fall on his neighbor's garage, but refuses to remove it. This also extends to jealousy and envy and covetousness of your neighbor's possessions. Worse yet, what about a neighbor who lusts after his neighbor's wife. All of these actions violate the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.
v. 30: "Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm" - This verse talks about using Godly wisdom to avoid unnecessary conflict. Any person who walks in God's wisdom is not contentious or confrontational. This type of behavior frequently leads to violence. The phrase, "has done you no harm" doesn't necessarily mean no harm was intended, but is one of those situations where you should say, "I'm really sorry you feel that way," and walk away from it rather than risk further confrontation. Does this mean that Christians are doormats who are never allowed to defend themselves? No, not at all. But James would argue that such trials are a test of faith (James 1:2-4). Being a Christian means that we don't need to win or get even. The apostle Peter said to, "not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead" (1 Pet. 3:9).
SOLOMON SAYS 3: Wearing God's wisdom means we don't need to win or get even. A person who walks in God's wisdom is never contentious or confrontational and will do his to her best avoid unnecessary conflict.
Read Prov. 3:31-35 - THE BENEFIT OF A LIFE THAT LOVES GOD'S WISDOM
31 Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways.
32 For the devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted.
35 The wise will inherit honor, But fools display dishonor.
v. 31: "Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways" - In this section Solomon moves from doing good to others and being a good neighbor to being careful about our attitudes toward people who prosper from violence and evil activities. On this same subject, David advised, "Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers" (Ps. 37:1). To paraphrase this, when we see bad people prospering from evil, instead of letting it anger and upset us, we should leave it to God with the understanding that He will deal with them in His time and in His way. We're also commanded not to envy evildoers their ill-gotten gains. Sometimes the reason we don't want evildoers to prosper is not so much about condemnation of the sins they commit, but the secret wish that we could get away with the same thing.
v. 32: "For the devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright" - The simple sense of this proverb is that good people ultimately finish first. God will fight against every "devious" person because to Him each one is an "abomination," something He hates. Connecting this with the "do not envy" idea of v. 31, Solomon is telling his son (and us) not to be misled by a world that allows the wicked to prosper and despises those who seek after God's righteousness. As Christians, we are assured that God is on our side and will ultimately vindicate all wrongs. Amen?
v. 33: "The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous" - Very simply, this means that what God curses no one can bless and what God blesses, no one can curse. This brings to mind the story of Balaam and the donkey that we studied a while back in Num. 22:21-39. You'll recall that the king of Moab paid Balaam to place a curse on the Israelites, but God changed that curse into a blessing that allowed His people to march around Moab and reach the Jordan without opposition. Wisdom tells us that these are the facts of God's sovereign control of all things and cannot be altered. Therefore, wicked people and their families are going to suffer judgment because God's sword of justice is hanging over them. Righteous people are certain to ultimately prosper, if not in this life, then in the next as children of God.
v. 34: "Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted" - "Scoffers," people who deny and ridicule God, have always been in this world and always will be. And like the people who curse what God blesses, judgment against the scoffers is certain. But in contrast to them, the "afflicted" describes people who are humble in thought, confess their helplessness, and have their hearts ready for divine instruction and guidance. This proverb is so true that it's restated twice in the NT (Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). Very simply, the wisdom of this proverb confirms that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.
v. 35: "The wise will inherit honor, But fools display dishonor" - This proverb imparts the truth that our decisions today will earn us either glory or shame tomorrow. There are consequences, one way or the other, for every decision you make even if they aren't immediately seen. If you choose God's wisdom as the basis for your decisions in everyday life, then the natural process of life and the supernatural blessings of God will ultimately bring you glory and honor (and remember that all of the rewards are not in this life). On the other hand, if you choose to make decisions that are foolish, and if you live foolishly, you are guaranteed to ultimately experience pain and shame. Wise people make decisions according to the Bible-the revealed will of God. But fools make decisions based on their feelings, self-interest, old habits, popular opinion, news media, and other ungodly sources. The rule of this proverb is simple: if you live wisely, you will be honored; if you live foolishly, you will be punished in disgrace.
SOLOMON SAYS 4: The decisions we make today will earn us either glory or shame tomorrow. There are consequences, one way or the other, for every decision you make even if they aren't immediately seen. If you choose God's wisdom as the basis for your decisions in everyday life, then the natural process of life and the supernatural blessings of God will ultimately bring you glory and honor (and remember that all of the rewards are not in this life).
PRAYER: LORD GOD, our Father and Creator, we come before You today with humble and grateful hearts, thanking and praising You for Your love, mercy, and undeserved grace toward us. We thank and praise You for the countless blessings you give to us each day of our lives, but we thank You especially for loving us enough to send Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to give His life so that we may live-now and forever. We also thank You for giving us Your Bible-Your holy Word-as a guide for living. I pray, Lord, that the people watching and listening to this lesson today are being strengthened and encouraged by hearing the truth of your World, and I thank You, God, for the assurance that Your Word give us both in this life and in the next. I thank You, Father, for this great Proverb of Solomon that we studied today, which tells us how to make decisions and deal with our fellow man in a way that pleases and honors You. In closing, I thank you for this great nation we live in, and I pray that You will place Your sovereign hand on the transition of presidential power that is supposed take place next week so that it will happen in a peaceable and orderly manner. In the name our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I ask all these things, AMEN.
